Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Request for Comment: What Pelham Manor School is This, Shown in 1907?


The post card below has troubled me for several years.  It purports to show the "Public School" in "Pelham Manor, N.Y."  The message on the bottom of the obverse of the used post card postmarked in 1907 takes no issue with the title of the photograph, indicating instead that it depicts "Otis' School."

Yet, this school building does not look to me at all like photographs I have seen of what once was known as The Jackson Avenue School -- a two story building of stone and red brick that once stood near the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Plymouth Street.  The building stood approximately where the homes at 212-220 Jackson Avenue stand today, no far from today's Prospect Hill School.  To read more about the history of that school building, see:  Mon., January 9, 2006:  The First Prospect Hill School in Pelham Manor.

The post card below shows what would seem to be a smaller school building than The Jackson Avenue School.  I would be most interested in hearing comments from any reader who might have a theory or information on this issue.  The structure depicted on the post card below does not seem to have any connection whatsoever to the tiny one room school house that once stood on Split Rock Road in the late 1860s and since has been incorporated into the home located at 982 Split Rock Road.  See982 Split Rock Road, Pelham, NY (Incorporates One Room School House).


Hopefully, the many insightful and intelligent lovers of Pelham History who read these postings can provide some guidance on the school building depicted on the post card above.

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Obituary of William McAllister Who Built Civil War Gunboats in Pelham


Pelham and her residents played most important roles in the Civil War -- as did most small communities throughout the nation (North and South).

City Island in the Town of Pelham was a critical shipyard involved in the construction of northern gunboats.  Among the many "Yacht Constructors" involved in the northern War effort was William Mcallister.

Below is the brief obituary for William McAllister published in the March 25, 1912 issue of The New York Times.

"WILLIAM McALLISTER DIES.
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Noted Yacht Constructor Helped to Build Many Civil War Gunboats.
Special to The New York Times.

WASHINGTON, March 24. -- William McAllister, a retired yacht builder of City Island, N. Y., died at 332 Indiana Avenue, this city, at 10:30 this morning, after a long illness.  In the civil war he was at the shipyard of William H. Webb in New York, where he was employed in the construction of many famous yachts.

In 1888 he was elected Supervisor of the town of Pelham, which included City Island, Pelham Manor, Pelham Bay Park and Pelhamville."

Source:  William McAllister Dies, N.Y. Times, Mar. 25, 1912, p. 11.


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Monday, March 29, 2010

Nathaniel H. Bouldin, a Poor Confederate Prisoner of War Who Died in Pelham in 1865


No one yet has researched and written the history of Pelham's participation in the Civil War.  I have a special interest in that era -- I have discovered (to my amazement and sadness) that my wife's Great-Great Grandfather was a Confederate soldier who was captured in the last days of the Rebellion and was shipped north to Hart's Island in Pelham as a prisoner of war where he died of "chronic diarrhea".  His name was Nathaniel H. Bouldin. 

According to The Muster Rolls of Company F of the 57th Regiment of Virginia Infantry, Nathaniel H. Bouldin was enlisted by Col. John L. Dillard on 10 July 1861 at Mt. Vernon Church in Henry County.  He subsequently served in Company F of the 57th Regiment of Virginia Infantry.  He apparently was serving in this Regiment when he was taken prisoner at Gettysburg on 3 July 1863.  Paroled at Point Lookout, Maryland, he was transferred to City Point, Virginia on 16 March 1864.  Recaptured at Battle of Five Forks on 1 April 1865, he was sent to Hart's Island in New York.  According to Federal Archives he died in DeCamp General Hospital of "chronic diarrhea" and is buried in Grave Number 2677 at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

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Friday, March 26, 2010

Captain Joshua Leviness Defies the New York Legislature and Dredges Oysters with a Steamer in 1878


I recently have enjoyed researching the 19th century oyster industry in waters off City Island.  It seems apparent that Joshua Leviness was the "Dean" of City Island oystermen who consistently was involved in each and every development that affected the industry for the most important decades of its development. 

It seems that in 1878, Leviness decided to use a steamer to dredge oysters despite the legislative prohibition against it. Based on everything I have learned of Joshua Leviness, he was aware of the law . . . . .

Below is a news column published in The Chronicle of Mount Vernon on December 20, 1878.  The transcription is followed by a citation to its source.

"City Island and Pelham. 

A meeting of the Republican Association of the town of Pelham is called for this (Friday) evening, at the store of Waterhouse Bros., City Island. 

The bell for the new M.E. Church, on City Island, arrived on Wednesday last.  It weighs 800 pounds and bears the following inscription:  'Presented by Samuel P. Billar and Lucinda Reynolds, in memoriam of Drake W. Billar.'  It also bears the name of the pastor, T. N. Laine.

The work of extending the dock at Carll's yard is nearly completed.  A large job is expected daily.

The schooner Eclipse, of New York, is to be rebuilt at Hawkin's ship yard.  The timber for the work arrived this week.  Mr. H. is rebuilding the schooner Two Marys.

Mr. James Weaver is erecting a brick house, 22x30 feet, on Prospect street.  Messrs. Chas. Baxter and A. Wilson are the builders.

Some new buildings of a good class are in course of erection in Pelham Manor.  This is a good indication of the revival of business. 

Died -- at Bartow Station, on Saturday, Dec. 14, James P. Odell, aged 52 years.

Complaint having been made against Capt. Joshua Leviness, for dredging oysters by steam in Long Island Sound, we have been requested to republish the law on the subject, as passed by the last legislature.

CHAP. 302.

AN ACT in relation to the taking of clams, oysters and shell fish within the waters of this State, and dredging for the same. 
Passed May 21 1878, three fifths being present. 

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.  It shall not be lawful for any person or persons who are not at the time actual inhabitants and residents of this state to rake or gather clams, oysters or shell-fish, either on their own account and for their own benefit, or on account of or for the benefit of their employers, in any of the rivers, bays or waters of this State,., on board of any canoe, flat scow, boat or other vessel; but the provisions of this section shall not be so construed as preventing any actual resident and inhabitant of this state from employing persons to rake or gather clams, oysters and shell-fish, for the use and benefit of said actual resident and inhabitant of this state.

SEC. 2.  It shall not be lawful to dredge for oysters, clams or shell-fish with a dredge operated by steam power, in any of the bays, rivers or waters of this State.  No dredgeds to be used exceeding thirty pounds in weight, for catching oysters, clams, or other shell fish.

SEC. 3.  Every person offending as aforesaid, shall also be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by such a fine as the court may deem just and proper, but not to exceed one hundred dollars; or by imprisonment in the county jail, work-house or penitentiary, not exceeding six months; or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.  Any court of special sessions, in any county where said offense shall be committed, shall have jurisdiction to hear, try and determine any case arising under this act. 

SEC. 4.  This act shall take effect immediately."

Source:  City Island and Pelham, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, New York], Dec. 20, 1878, p. ?, col. 5 (page number not published at top of page). 

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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Discovery of "The Great Oyster Bed" in Long Island Sound in 1859


I have written before of the discovery of "The Great Oyster Bed" in Long Island Sound in 1859.  See Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.  During the fall of 1859, five fishermen from Darien, Connecticut accidentally discovered one of the largest oyster beds ever discovered in the Long Island Sound.  An "oyster rush" followed that would rival the Oklahoma Land Run thirty years later when an estimated 50,000 people lined up at high noon on April 22, 1889 competing for their piece of the available two million acres of Federal lands. 

People from Rhode Island to Connecticut dropped what they were doing and raced to the area seeking instant riches.  Those who raced to the Sound were not just oystermen, but mechanics, farm hands and professional men all seeking their instant fortunes.

The New-York Daily Tribune published a wonderful article on the "Immense Fleet of Fishermen" (including many oystermen from City Island) that descended on the area like locusts.  The text of the article appears below.

"THE GREAT OYSTER PLACER.
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Millions of Dollars Worth Found.
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GREAT EXCITEMENT ALONG SHORE.
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Immense Fleet of Fishermen.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUNDS.
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OYSTERS GENERALLY.

Oysters is oysters!  Conchological research and classification may make a more expanded definition, but none which will add to their flavor or quality.

They are marine, bivalvular testaceous, and are partaken of either raw, fried, roasted, stewed, or escolloped in pie, or fritters.  They are for sale in considerable quantities in the city of New York, and are prepared for eating at sundry places, from Buttercake Dick's to Delmonico's.

During a certain season of the year -- those months when, by a strange cabilism, the letter R has been summarily ignored in their names -- the maternal oyster, in the peaceful tranquility of the last of the ebb tide, launches into the water the embryonic oysters, to be developed to maturity for the satisfaction of the rapacious maws of man and womankind.  The spawn (by which uneuphonic name the infantile oysters are called) being by the inexorable laws of nature thus cut off from the mother's care, begin to shift for themselves.  They cast about for a resting place, where destiny may find them, because having no pedal extremities as their leg-acy, they are unable to follow destiny.  If the soft side of a stone, or shell, or piece of wood touch their embryonic organism, with instinctive egg-otism they appropriate the geological, conchological or vegetable substance, as the case may be, to their own use, and forthwith the youthful oyster, scarcely the size of a spangle -- small in size but big with promise -- makes his first bow as an oyster -- and with a 'yours in time' settles into an ocean cum dignitate to grow.  With the base of the bivalve down and the edges up -- they acquire upright habits notwithstanding they indulged in the American practice which the Englishman characterized as 'damned perpendicular drinking.'

A year's experience makes them the size of a half dollar.  In two years they are large enough to be marketable, and in three years they assume proportions which command for them the respect which is always accorded maturity.

Still they are not oysters as in oysters.  A vegetable phase of development has to be theirs before they will suit the esthetic taste of the epicure, and the transition like all transitions, is painful.  They must be 'planted.'  In other words the unfeeling oysterman in his boat throws overboard the dredge, which scrapes along the bed where the bivalves are at rest, drags them from their places, and they fall into the capacious network of the dredge, and are brought to the deck of the boat where they remain until a sufficient quantity are secured to be 'planted.'

But oystermen don't mean putting them into the earth as the seeds from which to raise oyster-plants -- (and the writer of this takes the opportunity of saying that that popular vegetable has nothing in common in its origin with oysters proper; the two being totally distinct and belonging to different natural kingdoms) -- but they are taken to some point where they can absorb the inspiriting properties of fresh water, and which will not only take from them the strong taste which is peculiarly submarine, but will make them adipose -- make the eyes sparkle to uphold them, and the palate tickle as they pass those portals of the human stomach, in this last but eventful drama of oyster life.  A two months' experience in vegetation thus matures them, and when wanted they are again brought to the surface and consigned to Fulton or Washington Market and -- the reader knows the rest.

THINGS TOPO AND GEO-GRAPHICAL

On the north shore of Long Island is an inland bay called Huntington Bay.  Branching from the Bay are four small harbors known as Lloyd's, Huntington, Centerport, and Northport harbors.  On the east of Huntington Bay is Eaton's Neck, and on the west Lloyd's Neck, each extending some distance into Long Island Sound.  At the edge of Lloyd's Harbor is a Fresnel light, designed to be a guide to vessels in the Sound who seek a harbor during the prevalence of a heavy nor'-easter.  On the point of Eaton's Neck is a large Fresnel light, which is an excellent guide to mariners going through the Sound.  Extending in a line no'-nor'-west from Eaton's Neck light is a reef of rocks on which is from 3 1/2 to 8 fathoms of water.  It extends nearly way across to the Connecticut shore.  Opposite is the town of Norwalk, Conn., a distance of ten or twelve miles.  At the extremities of the arms of Huntington Bay, on Long Island, are the villages of Northport, Centerport and Huntington.

Thirty miles down the Sound from Eaton's Neck is located City Island -- the residence of numberless oystermen and oysters, and the place where, two or three since a negro who had murdered a captain of a small sloop, was caught and examined prior to being transferred to White Plains to be hanged.

OYSTERS SPECIALLY.

The City Islanders are the planters of the East River oysters, and at home and in half a dozen harbors round about, they have their moluscous plantations, furnishing a good crop the year round.  But the City Islanders wanted more room -- like Alexander, they sighed for new worlds to conquer -- in other words, they wanted more plantation room--more terri-or marini-tory.  Fifteen years ago the inhabitants of Northport held out inducements -- so the City Islanders say -- for them to plant their oysters in Northport Bay.  The Northporters had a ship-building interest to look after, and they thus sought the visitation of the City Islanders, in the hope to get the building of their oyster-boats.  The C.I.'s did patronize the Northport builders, and the hearts of the ingenious marine architects then waxed joyful.  Valuable bushels upon bushels of the oysters were planted, and from year to year, as they matured, they were taken up and carried to New-York; but the depletion did not equal the supply, and Northport harbor this year was studded with gems of the sea.

THE OYSTER WAR.

But the City Islanders say that the Northporters and Huntingtonians generally became covetous of the submarine wealth of the City Islands, lying within a ropes length of Northport dredges, and they resolved to take possession thereof; that, acting in consonance with this spirit, they last Spring passed a law at town-meeting confiscating the aforesaid wealth of the City Islanders to their own use, by making it an offense for non-residents to take oysters from Northport Bay.  The City Islanders, unfortunately coming within this description, found themselves outlaws if they should attempt to reap the fruits of the seed they had sown broadcast on the waters of that inland bay; in fact, they looked upon it as an attempt, by force, on the part of marauding Huntingtonians, to prevent the fulfillment of that passage of the Scruptures which says, 'Cast your bread upon the waters, and after many days it shall return to you.'

BELLICOSE DEMONSTRATIONS.

But they were not to be thus put down.  The City Islanders learned that the sanctity of their beds had been violated, and like Sickles under similar circumstances, they prepared to meet the foe and wipe on the stain of dishonor that had been fixed upon their escutcheon.  Two sloops were manned and armed -- one, the Three Graces, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Joshua Leviness, by tacit consent the commandant of the City Island Navy.  Arrived at Northport, they discovered the Huntingtonians in flagrante delicta.  Adding insult to injury, they were taking his property before his eyes.  He bore down upon the offending parties and run down some of their boats, took their late occupants prisoners, and bore them off in triumph to City Island.  At least, so the Huntingtonians say.  Com. Josh. says that a haze struck him in such a way that he couldn't steer clear of the boats and hence the accident.  He says furthermore that the oyster pirates had a cannon loaded with fragments of log-chains, in an elevated position, to attack them as they approached.  What the merits of the controversy are the writer of this does not know.  No blood was spilt.  The Supreme Court has clapped an injunction on the City Islanders removing oysters, and on Monday next the case is to be heard at River Head, L.I., when the injunction will probably either be dissolved with condition, or be made perpetual.

EVENTS UNSEEN AND SUBMARINE.

But the City Islanders, in sowing their seed in Northport Bay, were unconsciously doing that which should enable them and others to reap largely in other and distant fields.  The Northport oysters fructified, and the ebb tide carried out their spawn into Huntington Bay, and thence it drifted in a line due north where, west of Eaton's Neck Reef, the much-sought for cobble-stone bottom -- the paradise of oysters -- was found.  The embryonic bivalves colonized.  Year after year they grew, and reproduced, and died.  Steamers plowed the waters over them; the canvas of merchantmen was gayly spread, and filled away from the submarine wealth; oyster-boats danced lightly on the waves, and superfishal enterprise was satisfied to take the hazard of black fishery on the reef, never dreaming that

'Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear.'

A GLIMPSE AT THE BOTTOM.

A year or two since the propeller Charles Osgood, finding the attraction of gravitation too powerful to resist, sank in Long Island Sound, off Eaton's Neck.  The owners desiring to rescue Charles, employed a diver named Wilkinson, called Duffy for short, to go to the bottom, and inquire of the sea serpent and other inhabitants if they had seen anything of their property.  Duffy put on his armor, went below, and after extensive inquiries found the lost Charles, and gave information which led to his recovery.  And Duffy, too, discovered the oysters.  He told Charley McClennon, of the City Island Hotel, that he had found a bed of oysters which seemed to him five miles long, off Eaton's Neck, and Charley inwardly resolved to take a boat and visit the low-cality.  With the greatest assiduity, Charley kept procrastinating until he was compelled by untoward events to go snacks with others.

DISCOVERY OF THE GREAT OYSTER BED.

A fortnight since -- or thereabout -- James Warring, Wm. Wood, Thomas Garlan, Wm. Hoyt, and Alexander Stevens, five fishermen of Darien, Conn., were fishing in a boat off Eaton's Neck.  They found themselves drifting too far out, and dropped over board an oyster dredge to bring their boat to anchor.  When subsequently they attempted to draw in the dredge they found it fearfully heavy -- but they tugged away, and after considerable 'cussin,' got it to the surface, and found it filled with over two bushels of large oysters.  After putting the oysters into the boat they felt themselves at liberty to be astounded.  They were astonished.  After which they threw the dredge again, and again drew to their boat another lot of oysters.  Another installment of astonishment, and another haul -- and dredging and astonishment were alternately indulged until the boat was filled.

They saw the value of their discovery, and saw that their success lay in keeping the secret to themselves, and they made a compact that they would keep their mouths shut and devote to themselves the wealth of the Eaton's Neck Oyster Bed.  But compacts have been broken.  Various men have been betrayers, from Judas Iscariot down to John Tyler and Louis Napoleon.  Some one of the five -- we don't know who -- thought to make the discovery immediately available, and, with a stern denial of his integrity, he turned his back upon his companions and made tracks for City Island.  To the enterprising oystermen he announced the discovery, and offered for the limited consideration of $500, to lay at their feet an installment of the hidden wealth of the ocean.  Twenty-five City Islanders put down $20 each, and on Monday, the 19th of Sept., A.D. 1859, INCURSION OF THE CITY ISLAND OYSTERMEN.

Twenty-five sloops and schooners from City Island, with crews and implements, left for Eaton's Neck.  Early on Tuesday morning, they began to work in right good earnest.  A fair wind was blowing -- such a one as was required for the purpose -- and merrily the dredges were hove over the side, and after a short drift with the tide, they were hauled to the deck, filled with large, rich oysters.  Sailing back, the dredges were again thrown, and with the same result.  The old Sound shelled out at the command of the City Islanders, and, at the close of the day, not less than 5,000 bushels had been brought aboard the vessels.

EXCITEMENT ALONG THE SHORE.

The presence of a fleet of City Island oyster-boats somewhat astonished the inhabitants along the shores of Long Island and Connecticut.  The Huntingtonians were sorely perplexed.  It is said that at first they thought the City Islanders had made an incursion to bombard Northport, and they began to bring forth their rusty muskets and broadswords of Revolutionary memory, which had lain quiet since the oyster war put them in order, took out their telescopes and sighted the enemy off Eaton's Neck.  A close inspection revealed the secret.  In ten minutes the swords were sheathed, and the muskets put back.  Dredges were brought forth, and in two hours every store in the town was depleted of its iron rings used in making the dredge nettings.  Boats and all were got ready for Wednesday morning. 

All Connecticut, too, was alive with excitement.  They, too, had observed the strange visitation, and, snuffing the oysters afar off, they, in their turn, made ready, and on Wednesday morning over twenty sail were standing toward the oyster-ground.  But Wednesday was a calm, and preparations went on with renewed vigor on shore.  Thursday morning, and thirty more vessels were sailing for Eaton's Neck, but again the calm stopped operations.

THE CONTAGION SPREADS.

But on Friday the wind blew more freshly, and nearly a hundred sail were engaged in dredging.  The news had spread from one point to another where oystermen most do congregate, and boats from Egg Harbor to Newark Bay, and thence to Piermont and Newburgh, and from Brooklyn to Montauk Point on both sides of Long Island, and from Hell Gate to Providence, were put in order for sailing.  On Saturday the crowd had become greater, and on Sunday no less than a hundred and twenty-five sail were dredging the bed.  On Monday the number had increased to one hundred and fifty, and Tuesday and Wednesday to over two hundred.  They were of all sizes, from little boats of three tuns to large schooners of a hundred and fifty.  Three steamers -- the Jacob Bell, the Statesman, and the Pluto -- also appeared on the ground and commenced active dredging.  They could work to a better advantage in one regard -- not being affected by calms.

VISIT TO THE GROUNDS.

On Wednesday, one of the staff of Reporters of THE TRIBUNE was dispatched to the scene of the recent discovery.  At 8 1/2 o'clock he embarked on the little steamer George Law, at Catharine Market, and proceeded up the East River.  When off Matinnicock Point, the fleet of oyster boats were observed in the distance.  So closely were they together, that one could scarcely make out the separate sails.  Arrived at Eaton's Neck, he proceeded to the grounds and was taken on board the little steamer Pluto, which had been chartered by Mr. Charles McClennon of City Island.  Over two hundred sail and three steamers were then engaged in dredging.  The greatest care was required in sailing to prevent collisions which were imminent at any moment; and during the two days that our Reporter remained on the ground, only one accident of any note occurred, and that the tearing away of a schooner's jibboom.  At no time has our Reporter seen an approximation to the number of vessels there actively sailing in so small a space.

WHERE THE OYSTERMEN COME FROM

is not an easy matter to recount.  Scarcely a port within fifty miles is not represented.  Long Island seems to have turned out her men from all points, north and South.  Beside Brooklyn, Greenport, Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Williamsburgh, Huntington, Cold Spring, and other large places, there were the representatives of Patchogue, Quogue, Niesiquagne, Cutchogue, Mattituck, Setauket, Coscob, Saugatuck, Mamaroneck, Mannahassett, Hauppague, Sciossett, Speouk, Negutatogue, Santabogue, Aguebogue, Gallows Hill, Peconick, Hardscrabble, Mattinnicock, Poospatuck, Ketchebouneck, Shinnecock, Accabonneck, Babylon, Jericho, Jerusalem, Modern Times, and Heaven only knows from what other places with unchristian names.

The Nunkatunks, Quinnipiacs, Podunks, and Quinnebogs, were present from New-Haven and vicinity.  From Hammonassett Point, Stratford, Lyme, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, Savin Rock, Gilford, Rocky Point, Bridgeport, Flat Rock, Norwalk, Stonington, New-London, Saybrook, Norwich, Westport, and Southport, in Connecticut, were various boats.  Rhode Island also was represented by boats from Providence, Newport, Pawtucket, and Appanaug.  Most of the prominent oystermen on the Jersey and Staten Island shores were present with their sloops, as were those of the North River, as high up as Piermont and Newburgh.  City Island, Hellgate, Hart's Island, New Rochelle, Rye, and other places in the vicinity, are of course included.  But those engaged in the dredging are not, perhaps, one half oystermen.  Men from all callings have for the time being forsaken their employment.  Mechanics, farm hands, and, in two instances at least, professional men, have gone to dredging.  Samuel Harold, George Horton, and other East River pilots, have chartered the steamer Jacob Bell, and with a full crew are dredging up and down the bed.  The mania seems to pervade all classes.  Of the boats, every thing available is employed, from a steamer to a barge.  Raritan canal-boats, New-Have sharpers, yachts, and even the East River pilot-boat O.K. are on the grounds.

THE SUCCESS OF THE OYSTERMEN.

The discovery will without doubt prove of great benefit to nearly all who have embarked in it.  The regular oystermen will be the greatest recipients, they, from their experience in the business, throwing their dredges and sailing the vessels with greater skill, and working with greater rapidity.  Green hands make sad work, and are frequently sea-sick for the first two or three days.  Those with small boats, too, will realize well; and even green hands, having boats and the implements, will realize a hundred or two dollars for their labors.  Capt. Joshua Leviness [of City Island] has averaged 400 bushels per day, except the calm days, since Tuesday week, with one sloop.  They are worth, before planting, fifty cents per bushel, and after becoming marketable, two dollars.  Capt. L. one day dredged over 600 bushels.  Small boats with one dredge readily haul up 25 bushels per day, and often more.  A steamer with eight drags, and well manned with experienced oystermen, could readily average 500 bushels per day.  Such are the statements of oystermen whom our Reporter conversed with.  The Connecticut men work with the greatest assiduity, many of them pursuing their work by night as well as by day.  But the business is attended with some risk.  Dredges are frequently lost, and one Connecticut schooner lost 15 at one time by being caught on the reef.  They cost new at least $5 earch, and at the present time are worth treble that amount. 

Probably oysters to the amount of three quarters of a million dollars, when marketable, have already been taken out.

THE SIZE AND QUALITY.

The oysters are nearly all above medium size, and many are very large -- fully up to those often exhibited in oyster saloon windows.  The flavor is equal to any oysters before planting, and they only want a few weeks with fresh water to be equal, if not superior, to any sold in the market. 

With the present rush for the grounds it is hardly probable, so say the oystermen, dredging will pay more than a few days any but professional oystermen, unless the bed be found to cover a greater space than is at present indicated.  Perhaps in making this statement something must be allowed for the feelings of the oysterman, whose interest it is to deter others from making ventures.

THE OYSTER LAWS.

The irruption of Connecticut within the jurisdiction of New-York, has suggested a modification in the State law to put the inhabitants of the two States on an equality.  In Connecticut, all non-residents are prohibited under severe penalties.  In New-York, non-residents are not thus prohibited, and the prohibition against fishing during the spawning season applies to all.

HUNTINGTON BAY AT NIGHT.

At night, Huntington Bay and the adjoining harbors are as thickly studded with vessels at anchor as New-York bay.  On Thursday night one-hundred sail were inside, not five of which remained at 9 o'clock yesterday morning.  With a fresh wind, the small craft are compelled to keep in shore.  During Thursday it blew strong off shore, and the number of sail on the bed was lessened more than half. 

FIRST ARRIVAL OF OYSTERS.

The first oysters from the new bed arrived in the city by the sloop Heroine, Capt. William Bird.  The oysters may be seen at Downing's."

Source:  The Great Oyster Placer, New-York Daily Tribune, Oct. 1, 1859, p. 5, col. 2.

For other recent postings in this series, see:




Wed., March 24, 2010:  The Oyster War of 1884 Between Glen Cove and City Island Intensifies.

Tue., March 23, 2010:  Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.

Mon., March 22, 2010:  77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., March 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., March 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., March 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Oyster War of 1884 Between Glen Cove and City Island Intensifies


Yesterday I posted an item about the 1884 "Oyster War" during which Glen Cove, Long Island feuded with City Island and Connecticut oystermen over ownership of oyster beds off its shores.  See Tue., March 23, 2010:  Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.  The oyster war intensified only a few days after the events described in yesterday's posting. City Island oystermen armed with revolvers and shotguns descended en masse on oyster beds planted by Glen Cove residents and harvested thousands of bushels of oysters.  The article below describes the developments.

"LONG ISLAND.

GLEN COVE.--The oyster war still rages.  Elnathan Hall, one of the victims of the City Island oystermen, has made complaints against several of them, and has the names of all the captains of the boats that were at work upon the beds, and will commence suits against them in the County Court.  Mr. Van Nostrand, a planter, says that over 3,000 bushels of oysters have been stolen from his bed.  Henry Davis, who has six acres planted and staked off, has lost several hundred bushels of oysters that he had raised from the seed.  He relates that the boatmen come on his beds armed with revolvers and shotguns.  Elnathan Hall asserts that he has had every oyster on eight acres of land stolen.  The City Islanders say that the beds are natural ones."

Source:  Long Island - Glen Cove, New-York Tribune, Oct. 28, 1884, p. 8, col. 4.

For other recent postings in this series, see:

Tue., March 23, 2010:  Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen.

Mon., March 22, 2010:  77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., March 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., March 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., March 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Yet Another "Oyster War" in 1884; Glen Cove Officials Feud with City Island and Connecticut Oystermen


During the 19th century, many with dollar signs in their eyes flooded into the Long Island Sound oyster industry just as pollution, garbage dumping and over-harvesting was reducing oystering opportunities.  One consequence was an ongoing battle over whether state and local governmental authorities could regulate access to oyster beds off their shores.  Glen Cove, Long Island, the State of Connecticut and other governmental authorities enacted such laws.  When Glen Cove tried to enforce its law against non-resident oystermen, however, another "Oyster War" followed.  City Island oystermen from the Town of Pelham became involved, as the brief article below indicates.

"NOTES ON THE OYSTER WAR.

The oyster war between the Bayville and Connecticut oystermen still continues.  Edward Ayres, the master of one [of] the boats captured by the officers from Glen Cove on Thursday, acknowledged having been in the oyster beds three times, and, rather than stand a suit in the courts, offered to pay the fine, $75 and costs of court, and was about to do so when a delegation of oystermen from City Island came into the court-room, and Ayres withdrew his plea of guilty and pleaded not guilty.  The City Islanders assert that they will carry the case to the full extent of the law as they are determined to know if the Bayville oystermen have the right to stake in the public waters for oyster planting.  While the case was under investigation word was brought to the court that twenty-five boats from the Connecticut shore were again on the oyster-beds, and a posse of officers started to arrest them."

Source:  Notes on the Oyster War, New-York Tribune, Oct. 25, 1884, p. 12, col. 1.

For other recent postings in this series, see:

Mon., March 22, 2010:  77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884.

Fri., March 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., March 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., March 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

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Monday, March 22, 2010

77-Year Old City Island Oysterman Joshua Leviness Reminisces in Testimony Provided in 1884


In late 1884, the New York State Commissioner of Fisheries, Eugene G. Blackford, conducted an investigation of the state of the oyster industry.  He held a hearing on Monday, November 24 of that year in Pelham to hear from City Island oystermen regarding the state of the industry.  Among those who testified was 77-year old oysterman Joshua Leviness.  An interesting article about the testimony appeared the following Friday in The Chronicle, a local newspaper published in Mount Vernon.  The text of the article is transcribed below.

"CITY ISLAND'S OYSTERS.

Eugene G. Blackford, State Commissioner of Fisheries, visited City Island last Monday, to conduct a hearing at the court-house there, as to the grievances, if any, of oystermen in regard to the state and county laws affecting their business.  He was accompanied by Prof. H. J. Rice, who has charge of the Fulton Market Laboratory.

Mr. Blackford explained that he wanted to know the condition of the oyster business; if the field had increased or decreased of late years, and the causes thereof.  He wanted to know, too, what were the enemies of oysters and what legislation might be necessary to insure protection or improvement for the trade.

Mr. Blackford asked Justice Martin to indicate the men whose opinions ought to be asked, and the latter called upon Capt. Joshua Leviness, the oldest oysterman on the island.  Mr. Leviness said the business of planting shells on natural beds was bad.  The beds from Captain's Island to New London were all bought up by rich men and monopolists, while the common oystermen had to sit ashore until they went to the county-house.  Our style is better, continued the Captain.  A man stakes off what he can get, and as long as he keeps staked up and looks out for his business, his ground is his own, and he can do what he likes with the oysters on it.  If he dies, it goes to his family.

'But suppose some one goes on staked ground, and takes oysters from it without asking the man who staked it?'

'We don't pretend to allow a great many thieves around here,' said the witness simply.

'Do you mean that you never have trouble of that kind?'

'Not often.  I am 77 years old., and was the first man to put a stake in the East River.  I think we have had two or three arrests in my day.  We sent the thieves to prison for two or three months, and that stopped it.'

The Captain recounted his happy experiences good humoredly until he spoke of the damage that the oyster beds had suffered from the city garbage and mud scows which had recklessly dumped their loads wherever they pleased for 10 or 15 years back.  The beds had flourished until that scourge came upon them.  Since then some of them had been smothered and others had been damaged.

Capt. Leviness thought that the beds in the North River ought to be opened for dredging.  Millions of oysters went to waste there every year because the Supervisors of Westchester County confined the digging in their North River territory to rakes and tongs, while the Rockland County authorities forbade intrusion in any form by residents of other counties.  There ought to be a law, he thought, to open the State beds to dredgers living within the State, and to keep Connecticut and New Jersey oystermen out of New York waters until the laws of those states, which keep their waters solely for their own citizens, be repealed.  Capt. Leviness also favored a law that would make from July 15 to Sept. 15 a close season, in which the beds should not be disturbed.  In response to an inquiry as to the advisability of limiting the possessions of an oysterman, Capt. Leviness thought 200 acres ought to be the limit; for no man could care properly for more, and that was enough to raise all the oysters any one could market.

This testimony was sustained by all the other oystermen whom Justice Martin presented to Mr. Blackford.  Thomas Collins, a red-faced good-natured Irishman, who informed Mr. Blackford that he was the original Tom Collins, for whom you fellows were looking a few years ago,' was amusingly earnest in his allusion to the 'parts of brick houses, cement, and hoopskirts that made harder pulling than oysters and ruined the natural beds.'

Justice Martin was given a chance after diner to express his opinion.  He agreed with those who had proceeded him, attributing the decrease of natural beds entirely to the illegal offal dumpings.  The Connecticut law, in his opinion, gave too large opportunities to 'farmers, shop girls, and monoplists,' who came in and crowded the poor oystermen out.

The above is in brief a statement of Commissioner Blackford's hearing.  The object is problematical.  The East River oystermen think it stands them in hand to be on the alert and watch closely their interests.

The City Island oystermen feel quite indignant at the Herald's report of the above hearing, and think that if the reporter had paid less attention to the taverns, which he sarcastically alludes to and more to the subject under consideration, he would have had a more readable report and the honest oystermen of the island would not have been treated to ridicule through its columns."

Source:  City Island's Oysters, The Chronicle Supplement [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 28, 1884, p. 1, col. 4.

For other recent postings in this series, see:

Fri., March 19, 2010:  The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895.

Thu., March 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., March 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.


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Friday, March 19, 2010

The New York Legislature Stepped Into the Oyster War on Long Island Sound in 1895


Regular readers of the Historic Pelham Blog know that I recently have been collecting research regarding the oystering industry off the waters of City Island in the Town of Pelham during the 19th century.  Recent postings on the topic are collected at the end of this posting.

It turns out that in the late 19th century, oystermen all along the Long Island Sound were battling over rights to harvest natural oyster beds and rights to stake out areas for seed beds.  Finally, the New York Legislature stepped into the picture.  The article below describes the development and its implications for certain City Island oystermen.

"OYSTERMEN TO APPEAL TO LAW.
-----
The Alleged Pirates Will Raise a Fund of $2,500 to Fight With.

GLEN COVE, L.I., April 30.--A fund of $2,500 is to be raised by oystermen who dredge in the Long Island Sound to test the right of the Legislature to ratify leases of natural-growth ground of oyster beds made by the Fish Commissioners.

This decision is the outcome of the recent oyster war waged by oystermen from City Island and other points on the oyster beds of the Matinnecock Oyster Company of Oyster Bay and was arrived at yesterday when one of the alleged oyster pirates, Augustus D. Merritt of City Island, was arraigned before Justice Henderson, in this village, on a charge of poaching on the oyster beds of the Matinnecock Company.  Merritt admitted the charge, but set up the claim that the beds are what is known as free ground.  He was willing, however, to reimburse the company for the oysters taken and the case was adjourned and will be settled outside of the court.

A meeting of the oystermen was held, and it was decided to take steps to carry the dispute to the United States courts if necessary, although the general feeling is that the Matinnecock Company will relinquish its holdings at the expiration of its present lease. 

It was shown on the survey made by Engineer Ford of the State Commissioners that the company had not encroached outside the grounds defined in the lease.  The company asserts its deterimination to defend its claim."

Source:  Oystermen to Appeal to Law, N.Y. Times, May 1, 1895, p. 3.

For other recent postings in this series, see:

Thu., March 18, 2010:  1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen.

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., March 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., March 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

1859 Town of Huntington Record Reflecting Dispute with City Island Oystermen


Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog continues the recent series that collects research regarding the oystering industry in the waters off City Island when it was part of the Town of Pelham in the 19th century.  In 1859, the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington on Long Island enacted a resolution directing various City Island oystermen from "staking out" for oyster harvesting off the shores of Huntington.  The dispute seems to have evolved into a nasty, long-running battle.  I previously have written about the long-running feud.  See Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Below is an excerpt from the Town Records of the Town of Huntington reflecting the Board of Trustees' resolution enacted on Feb. 28, 1859.

"[TRUSTEES' PROCEEDINGS.]
[1859, Feb. 28.]

'At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Huntington, held at the Town poor house the 28th day of February, 1859, present, Gilbert Carll, President; Brewster Conklin, Elbert Carll, Zebulon Buffett, Israel Carll, John D. Hewlett and Andrew Ketcham, Trustees.

Resolved, that a notice be served on Samuel Pell, Wilson W. Billar, Isaac VanAlen, John Lowndes, William Billar, Theodore Lowndes and Joshua Leviness, non-residents of said Town, do desist from staking out any of the land under water within the bounds of this Town as and for oyster beds within the bays, harbours or waters of said Town.

Resolved, that a notice be printed and published.

On application from Michael W. Devine to have his dock lease renewed.

Resolved, that the dock lease be renewed for 12 years at $3.00 per year.

Resolved, that the next Annual Town Meeting be held at the house of Elias Smith and that the Clerk give the usual notice.

Resolved, that Tobias Dillon and Warren Lewis be appointed to serve notices on the oyster planters.  [Page 441 / Page 442]

Resolved, that the meeting adjourn to meet on Saturday, the 12th day of March next, at the house of Stephen C. Rogers, at one o'clock P.M.

Notice served to Samuel Pell, Wilson W. Billar, Isaac VanAlen, William Billar, Theodore Lowndes, John Lowndes, Joshua Leviness and all other non-residents.

The Trustees of the freeholders and commonalty of the Town of Huntington, hereby give you notice that you and each of you do desist from staking out any of the lands under water within the borders of said Town, as and for oyster beds or for the purpose of planting oysters thereon, and that you desist from planting any oysters within the bays, harbors or waters of said Town, and from raking, taking up or carrying away oysters now growing or being within the bounds of said Town; you, the said persons hereby notified, not being inhabitants of or residents within the said Town of Huntington, and we further notify you that we have a standing By-Law of the said Town, that no person, other than a resident thereof, shall take or catch any oysters within the bounds of said Town under the penalty of twelve dollars and fifty cents for each and every offence, which penalty will be strictly enforced.

By order of the Board of Trustees,

GILBERT CARLL, Pres.

Huntington, Feb. 28, 1859.
Recorded by Josiah Smith,
Clerk.

(Trustees' Proceedings, Vol. I, pp. 132-33.)

[TRUSTEES' PROCEEDINGS.]

[Abstract.]
[1859, March 16.]

Meeting of Trustees, held on the 16th day of March, 1859.  [Page 442 / Page 443]

'Whereas, certain persons, non-residents of this Town, have staked off certain portions of Northport and Centreport harbors and the bays adjacent thereto, and claim the exclusive right of taking oysters on the territory included within said stakes, now therefore, it is

Resolved, That the Trustees will employ counsel to institute such action or actions as shall be deemed advisable and necessary to protect the rights of the inhabitants of the Town against assumption of claim on the part of such persons, and to bring the matter in controversy to as speedy a determination as possible before the legal tribunals of the State.'*

GILBERT CARLL, Pres.
Recorded by Josiah Smith, Clerk.
(Trustees' Proceedings, Vol. I, pp. 134-35)
___________________
[*Non-residents of the Town had for many years dredged and carried away more or less oysters from the natural oyster beds in Northport Bay, much to the annoyance of the inhabitants of the Town, who claimed that the premises belonged to the Town, and that such non-residents were trespassers. The Trustees of the Town took active steps against the intruders and there were some rough encounters on the Bay, growing out of these controversies.  Finally the non-residents, who were chiefly from Connecticut and City Island, began planting oysters in this Bay and assumed the right to exclusive possession and exclusion of all others from the grounds.  The people held Town Meetings and passed stringent enactments against such invasion of their rights, and it was to test the legal right of the invaders to hold such grounds, that the Trustees at this time directed the institution of suits in the courts.  An issue was, however, first reached in consequence of a resident of the Town, Dickerson, going upon the oyster beds of Lowndes and taking oysters, upon which suit was brought by Lowndes against Dickerson.  The latter's defense rested on his claim that Lowndes held without right; that the premises belonged to the town, and that as one of its citizens he had a right to take any shellfish he might find thereon.  The Trustees employed as counsel in the case, J. Lawrence Smith and William McCoun.  Henry J. Scudder was counsel for the Lowndes party.  From the somewhat voluminous correspondence which has come under my observation, it would appear that Lowndes, through his [Page 443 / Page 444] counsel, asked that he might remove his oysters from Huntington waters as a means of terminating the dispute.  Whatever answer the Trustees may have made, the oysters were not removed, and the suit went to trial at a Circuit Court in Riverhead, before Judge Brown, the father of the present Justice Brown of the Supreme Court in this district.  The cause was not well managed for the Town, important evidence having been omitted, and the case was decided in favor of Lowndes.  Emboldened by the result of this suit, the non-residents continued for some time to plant and hold oyster grounds in Northport Bay, and it took the Town several years to recover its former prestige.  In 1871 an exhaustive examination of the whole subject of Huntington's title to lands under water was made by counsel employed for the purpose, followed soon after by a determined effort to maintain the Town's title.  The result, as is well known, justified the effort, and the Court of Appeals has decided that the lands under water in Northport Bay belong to this Town under its Colonial grants, and the non-residents have all taken leases from the Town, of their grounds in Northport harbor and bay.--C.R.S.]"

Source:  Huntington Town Records Including Babylon, Long Island, N.Y. 1776 - - - 1873 With Introduction, Notes and Index by Charles R. Street, Vol. III, pp. 442-44 (The Towns of Huntington and Babylon, New York:  1889).

For other examples of postings in the series on 19th century oystering in the waters off the shores of City Island in the Town of Pelham, see:

Wed., March 17, 2010:  Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island.

Tue., Mar. 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.


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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Report of September 13, 1884 Tour of Oyster Beds by Captain Joshua Leviness of City Island



On September 13, 1884, City Island oysterman Joshua Leviness served as pilot of the steamer "Lookout" that carried Eugene G. Blackford on a tour of the oyster beds owned by Captain Leviness.  Mr. Blackford subsequently published a brief report of the tour.  I have transcribed below an excerpt containing that portion of Blackford's report that describes the tour off the waters of City Island in Pelham.  Additionally, beneath the excerpt, I have provided links to other recent postings dealing with 19th century oystering in the waters off Pelham. 

"16.--REPORT OF THE WORK IN AN OYSTER INVESTIGATION WITH THE STEAMER LOOKOUT.
BY EUGENE G. BLACKFORD.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the work in the oyster investigation with the steamer Lookout, which you so kindly placed at the disposal of the New York State Oyster Investigation Commission:

During the thirteen days from September 12 to September 24, inclusive, that the steamer Lookout was at my disposal for the purpose of rendering assistance in our State oyster investigation ten trips were made with her to various points in the immediate vicinity of the city of New York, and along the north shore of Long Island as far east as Northport Harbor. The trips, which were very satisfactory in their general results, were made in the following order: City Island, Perth Amboy and the south end of Staten Island, Cold Spring Harbor, Hempstead Harbor, Little Neck Bay, Manhasset or Cow Bay, Execution Lighthouse Rock, Port Chester and Rye Beach, Northport Harbor, Princess Bay, and Spuyten Duyvel Creek.

During each trip one or more dredgings were made upon both the planted and natural beds of the vicinity, and specimens of the oysters of the beds were selected and preserved from each haul of the dredge. Notes were made as to the general condition of the beds, as shown by the proportion of oysters and shells taken at the different hauls, and the presence or absence of the various enemies of the oyster; also all information, which could be gained in so short a time in regard to the general working of the beds and the industry in that particular locality.

September 13.—The first trip was made to City Island, which lies northeast of the city near the entrance into the sound. Capt. Joshua Leviness was taken on board as pilot. He owns about 150 acres of oyster territory near the island, and was the first person to set stakes for oyster-planting in the East River. Originally all the land under water about the island was natural oyster ground, but at present most of it has been taken up and staked off for 'plants.'  Before the staking off took place much of the territory had become exhausted from overworking by the oystermen, and some of the land has been ruined by the dumping of garbage. The first dredge was made upon Captain Leviness' planted ground. The dredge was down one minute, and came up with 198 oysters and a few mussels, clams, and scallops. There were not many shells and only a few drills. The second dredging was made on a natural bed, and resulted in 16 small oysters and quite a number of shells. The planted oysters were of good size and fine flavor. There was no set of young oysters on either the planted or the native oysters, but the captain stated that the set was generally good. The water is from 2 to 12 fathoms over the beds, and dredges are used in working the beds. The dredges on the north shore of the island are limited to 30 pounds in weight, and probably the greater number of them are without teeth on the drag-bar. In the shallow water along the shores and in the coves tongs are used in taking the oysters from the bottom. The principal enemies of the oyster in this locality are the drills, Urosalpinx cinerea, but now and then the beds are troubled with starfish. The seed for the planted ground is taken either from the native beds or brought from Connecticut. . . . .


*  *  *  *  *  

Most of the natural beds examined during the trips made with the steamer show unmistakable signs of unscrupulous working and little care for the preservation of the beds. They are littered with rubbish of every kind, particularly with old and slimy shells, and appear in too many cases to be the general dumping ground for all sort of garbage from passing vessels. They need a thorough clearing and careful supervision afterwards in order to make them yield what they are capable of doing.


New York, N.Y., October 18, 1884."



Source:  Blackford, Eugene G., "Report of the Work in an Oyster Investigation with the Steamer Lookout" in Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission, Vol. V for 1885, pp. 52-57 (Washington, DC:  Government Printing Office 1885).

Tue., Mar. 16, 2010:  More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887.

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

More on 19th Century Oystering in Pelham - Descriptions of Oyster Beds Off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay Published in 1887


I continue my efforts to research 19th century oystering in the waters off the Town of Pelham.  At the end of this posting I have collected links to the Historic Pelham Blog postings that deal with the topic to date.

Today's posting transcribes a description of oyster beds off Hart Island, City Island and in Pelham Bay that appeared in a report published in 1887.  The excerpt of the report below is followed by a citation to its source.

"25.  Hart Island Bed. -- Extends from east end of Hart Island around in a curve to the south end and into the shore; it contains seed oysters and clams.  Dark blue and grayish blue mud mixed with sand.  Area, seventy-one (71) acres.

26.  City Island Bed. -- Large and seed oyesters [sic] and claims.  (See fig. 26 B, plate 3.)

The limit lines of this bed extend from the south ends of Hart and City Islands along Hart Island to the cove, from there to the small island in the middle, thence south by east about four hundred and seventy-five (475) metres, thence W. S. W. to City Island and along the shore to southern end.

It furnishes work for oystermen all year round.  When they cannot work anywhere else in the vicinity they can work here.  Some of the northern part and all of the north-western is staked out.  Area, three hundred and thirty-one (331) acres.

27.  Pelham Bay. -- In one haul at northern end we got a large number of seed oysters and clams, shells with young seed, and a dredge half full of crabs.  Nothern third contains oysters, the rest are claims.  (See fig. 27B, plate 4.)  Dark olive colored mud mixed with sand; probed four feet without any change.  Specimen, slight odor of sulphuretted hydrogen.

The bed runs from south-west end of City Island twenty-three hundred (2300) metres, S. S. W. 3/4 W., and is about two hundred (200) metres wide.  Area, one hundred and eight (108) acres."

Source:  Report of Fred Mather, Second Report of the Oyster Investigation and of Survey of Oyster Territory for the Years 1885 and 1886 by Eugene G. Blackford, Commissioner of Fisheries -- Transmitted to the Legislature January 20, 1887, p. 43 (Albany, NY:  The Argus Company Printers 1887).

Below are links to previous postings regarding the 19th century oystering trade in the waters near the Town of Pelham:

Mon., Mar. 15, 2010:  More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complaint of Pollution.

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

More on 19th Century City Island Oyster Industry - City Island Oystermen Complain of Pollution


Recently I have devoted efforts to researching the history of oystering in the waters off City Island in the Town of Pelham during the early 19th century.  For a few of the many examples of postings to the Historic Pelham Blog that deal with oystering, see, e.g.:

Fri., March 12, 2010:  Early History of Oystering in the Waters Off City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., March 11, 2010:  The "Great Oyster War" Between City Island and Tarrytown in 1877 and 1878.

Mon., July 30, 2007:  1885 Report Notes Decline of Oyster Industry Near City Island in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., July 26, 2007:  Pelham's City Island Oystermen Feud with Long Islanders in 1869.

Fri., July 27, 2007:  Possible Origins of the Oyster Feud Between City Islanders and Huntington, Long Island.

Fri., April 13, 2007:  Oystermen of City Island (When It Was Part of the Town of Pelham) Pioneered Oyster Cultivation.

Mon., September 18, 2006:  A Brief Description of Oystering in Eastchester Bay and at Pelham Published in 1881.

Fri., January 26, 2007:  A History of the Early Years of City Island When it Was Part of the Town of Pelham, Published in 1927.

Thu., December 3, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.

It seems that in 1889, City Island oystermen complained to the State of New York that pollution from a dye manufacturing plant on West Farms Creek was floating into the Long Island Sound and poisoning the contents of their oyster floats.  Oyster floats typically were floating holders containing young oysters that were placed near the mouths of fresh water creeks where the creeks met the salt water of Long Island Sound.  Young oysters exposed to the less salty water "fattened" nicely for the markets. 

Below I have transcribed an excerpt of a report filed by the "State Oyster Protector" on October 1, 1889 for the ten month period ending a year earlier on October 1, 1888.  The report describes the matter referenced above.

"Report of the State Oyster Protector.
-----
No 80 FULTON MARKET, NEW YORK CITY,
October 1, 1889.
EUGENE G. BLACKFORD, Esq., Commissioner of Fisheries and Shell Fish Commissioner, State of New York:

DEAR SIR. -- I have the honr to transmit herewith my report for the ten months ending October 1, 1888 [sic - 1889].

Very respectfully,
JOSEPH W. MERSEREAU,
State Oyster Protector.
-----

No. 80 FULTON MARKET, NEW YORK CITY, }
October 1, 1889.

EUGENE G. BLACKFORD, Esq., Commissioner of Fisheries and Shell Fish Commissioner, State of New York:

DEAR SIR.-- I respectfully submit the following report of my operations as State Oyster Protector for the ten months ending October 1, 1889. Since my last annual report in accordance with your directions, I have reported daily at this office, except on the dates hereinafter mentioned, viz.: December 25 and 28, 1888; January 1, 1889; February 12 and 22, 1889; March 19, 1889; April 18, 24 and 30, 1889; May 1 and 30, 1889; July 4, 1889.

I have been on duty only part of a day on the dates hereinafter mentioned, viz.: February 21, 1889 ; April 19, 1889.

On all other days from December 1, 1888, to September 30, 1889, inclusive (except Sundays), I have been on duty all day, subject to your instructions.

During the past year I have made daily inspections of manufacturing districts and other localities from which pollution of the waters might be expected, as is fully set forth in detail in my daily and monthly reports; this systematic surveillance has resulted in maintaining the general improvement of the waters of this section, and has elicited many encomiums from oystermen, yachtsmen, marine railway people, anglers and the press.


Fault finding is not a lost art; and men whose pleasures or business interests suffer restriction, or injury, are prone to vent their grievances. The commendations aforesaid, coupled with the fact that but very few complaints have been received, argues that public interests have been protected and much good accomplished. . . . .

*  *  *  *  *  *  

In April last the oystermen of City Island complained that the waters of West Farms creek, Westchester county, were polluted by refuse from the Metropolitan Dye Works, situated on the south bank of said stream.

The oystermen alleged that at times on the ebb-tide, the waters of the creek were discolored, assuming from time to time various hues; the discoloration extended from the dye works the entire length of the creek, out into the sound, and along the beach. It has been customary for the oystermen to place their oyster-floats at or near the mouth of the creek to allow the oysters therein to 'drink' the fresh water flowing out of the creek, to thus freshen or fatten them for market. Oysters so placed were subjected to the discolored and poisonous water from tLe dye works.

This matter was promptly investigated, and per your directions the offending party was officially, notified that the law would be enforced if the offense continued. No further complaint has been received at this office relating to this matter. The arrangement made some months ago with Lieutenant J. J. Hunker, U. S. N., supervisor of the port of New York, relating to dumping dredgings from Pelham creek, was satisfatory to the oystermen of that section, and seems to have been faithfully observed, as no complaint has since been received in reference thereto."

Source:  State of New York - No. 14 - In Assembly, February 10, 1890:  Eighteenth Report of the Commissioners of Fisheries, New York, N.Y., September 30, 1889, pp. 102-03, 107 (Albany, NY:  James B. Lyon, State Printer 1890).

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.

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